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Best Scotland Universities for International Students

Updated on 05 January, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Do you know golf is believed to have been invented in Scotland or that Edinburgh hosts the world’s biggest arts festival? Scotland is truly a place of wonder. Apart from being noted for its cultural heritage and scenic beauty, it is also a land of some great academic institutions such as the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow.

International students can apply to universities in Scotland for a holistic higher education experience. The universities in Scotland offer over 4000 technology, arts, and humanities courses.

This article discusses the top Scottish institutions to help international students find suitable universities.

Scotland as a Study Destination

The top universities in Scotland offer an array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in over 150 fields. Some reasons to study in Scotland are –

  • The colleges in Scotland are renowned for their research facilities. 
  • The university campuses have open spaces for studying or relaxation.
  • Tuition fees and living expenses are reasonable.
  • The country has a rich cultural heritage.
  • As per a survey by Abertay University, 94% of international students consider Scotland colleges and universities ideal for higher education.

Top Universities in Scotland

Here is a Scotland university list with details.

1.     The University of Edinburgh

This university is considered the best institute in Scotland, with a QS world ranking (2023) of #15. It accommodates over 45,000 students from 150 countries. The University of Edinburgh is accredited by bodies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Association of MBAs.

Top Courses Scholarships Tuition Fees
  • Edinburgh College of Art Ph.D. Scholarships
  • DeepMind AI Scholarships
  • GREAT Scholarships 2023

For international students, the undergraduate tuition fee range is 24,500 - 35,000 GBP. The postgraduate fee range is 9,035 - 38,500 GBP.

2.     University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow has a QS world ranking (2023) of #81 and houses 29000 students from over 130 countries. In addition, The institute is accredited by AMBA, EQUIS, Chartered Management Institute, and AACSB to provide comprehensive courses.

Top Courses Scholarships Tuition Fees
  • Adam Smith Scholarship (International)
  • ASBS Global Challenges Scholarship
  • British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

 

The undergraduate tuition fees range between 9,960 and 53,460 GBP. The graduate courses cost between 6800 and 43000 GBP.

3.     University of St Andrews

With a QS world ranking (2023) of #96, the University of St Andrews offers the following UG and PG programs for students. The university’s accreditations include centers like the Chartered Association of Business Schools.

Top Courses Scholarships Tuition Fees
  • BA (International Hons) English
  • MSc Chemical Science
  • MLitt International Business
  • The institute offers Ph.D., MPhil (Taught), MPhil (Research), and MD programs in various subjects like arts, science, and humanities.
  • Robert T Jones Memorial Trust Scholarship
  • Colt Foundation Fellowships
  • The Malcolm Medical Bursary Scholarship

Undergraduate tuition fees range from 9,250 - 35,920 GBP. For PG courses, the fees fall between 3,705 - 41,950 GBP.

4.     University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen is ranked #220th on the QS world rankings 2023. It has a wide catalog of courses catering to almost 13,000 students from 120 countries. Also, the courses are accredited by renowned centers like AACSB, Chartered Management Institute, and Association for Project Management.

Top Courses Scholarships Tuition Fees
  • China Scholarship Council Scholarship
  • Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The fees for UG courses are approximately 79,200 - 91,200 GBP. PG courses cost between 11,077 - 53,000 GBP.

5.     University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde has a QS ranking of #325 with a wide array of programs.  the institute is accredited by bodies such as AMBA, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and EQUIS.

Top Courses Scholarships Tuition Fees
  • BBA International Scholarship
  • Beit Strathclyde (BStrath) Scholarships
  • Carnegie Trust: St Andrew's Society Scholarships

The UG course fees are around 16,750 - 24,950 GBP. For postgraduate degrees, the fees are between 12,225 and 27,000 GBP.

6.     Heriot-Watt University

The institute is one of the oldest universities in Scotland, UK, and has a QS rank of #281. Moreover, it is accredited by the Royal Charter in the UK and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. 

Top Courses Scholarships Tuition Fee
  • Amazon Future Engineer Bursary
  • Baillie Gifford Bursary
  • QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship

The undergraduate courses cost around 17,320 – 23,000 GBP. PG courses are approximately 18,520 to 22,264 GBP.    

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the employability rate of graduate students in Scotland?

As per Scotland.org, almost 78% of students graduating from the best universities in Scotland are highly employable.  

Which Scottish scholarship should international students look out for?

International students can apply for Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships, which offers 8000 GBP for 1-year PG degrees. The subjects include science, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Did you find this article helpful?

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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